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What does a volunteer in Scouting look like?

A few years ago, we might have talked about the uniform we sometimes wear, or even a certain type of person, but today there’s no easy answer.

The definition of a volunteer is someone that ‘gives their time freely for the benefit of others’. The Scout Association is an organisation made up of volunteers who give freely of their time because they are committed to the aims and principles of the Movement and enjoy working with and helping to develop young people in our informal educational context.

Scouting is made up of many different types of volunteers some are members, some are supporters and others are parents or young people wanting to do something to help achieve the aims of the Movement. Some are not even aware that they are doing this whilst others view this as their lifetimes challenge.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. From the Duchess of Cambridge or Chief Scout, TV Adventurer Bear Grylls to Teachers, Postman/women, Shop Assistants, Businessmen/women, there is no such thing as a typical volunteer.

Across South London we have over 1,200 adult volunteers, but with the ever increasing numbers of young people who want to get involved in Scouting, we need more.

With basic facilities and volunteer support, Scouting provides life-changing opportunities and adventure to both young people and adults. When someone talks to us about volunteering, we find a role that fits with their time and skills. If that means an hour a month, then we’ll work out how we can make the most of that. Most importantly, we’ll work hard to make that one hour enjoyable and meaningful for the volunteer too.

Over the last few years it has been our mission to make it easier for adults to give as much or as little as they are able. It is how we change our society: many people doing a little bit.’

Adults in Scouting support the Movement in the following ways:

Working directly with young people as Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants and parent helpers

Supporting other adults as volunteer manager (i.e. Group Scout Leaders, and Commissioners)

Looking after the administrative side of Scouting as Chairs, Secretaries, Administrators and Treasurers etc.